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Just in time for Halloween: a Change.org petition calling for M&Ms to get rid of its artificial dyes—especially the yellow and red ones—in favor of natural coloring, reports the International Business Times. The group behind the petition, the Center for Science in the Public Interest, says the dyes have been linked to hyperactivity in kids and thus aren't worth the risk. It hasn't been able to get the FDA on board, however, so it's now going after companies one by one; M&Ms maker Mars Inc. is first.

Kellogg's and General Mills, which use the dyes in a wide range of foods, are next. So is this cause for Halloween worry? A Syracuse.com story about the petition wraps up with a quote from a pediatrician with four kids of his own: "The best thing to do is use common sense. Eating M&Ms occasionally as a treat is fine. Eating a pound a day is not."

They need to add Men's Rights section and stop being sexist. as for um&ums I don't really care. they are going to mah tummy regardless of color

People_Suck

Oct 24, 2013 11:52 PM CDT

I remember when they had a million dollar give away if someone found a grey M&M. Unfortunately I didn't find out until much later after I ate one from a box I bought at an NFL game. I thought it odd that it was grey but maybe it missed the dye bin. Oh well, missed my chance. For all of you who want to know what a million dollars tastes like? Peanut M&Ms.

thewhiterider

Oct 24, 2013 7:33 PM CDT

"...the dyes have been linked to hyperactivity in kids and thus aren't worth the risk." Because sugar and caffeine (chocolate is full of caffeine) don't cause hyperactivity at all. I understand that artificial dyes aren't exactly good for you, but no one eats candy for the nutritional goodness.